Crossbody Utility Bag With Convertible Strap System

ABSTRACT

A handbag includes a convertible strap system having a fixed first end and a second end securable to the first end to form a first loop, a second strap having a fixed first end and a second end securable to the first end to form a second loop, and a handle strap extendable between the loops and having an adjustable length. The strap system is configurable between a first configuration wherein the handle strap is adjusted to a crossbody length and extends between the loops, a second configuration wherein the handle strap is adjusted to a shoulder length and extends between the loops, a third configuration wherein the straps are secured together to a form a handle and the handle strap is stored, and a fourth configuration wherein the straps form the loops to be secured to a stroller or the like and the handle strap is stored.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention generally relates to handbags and, more particularly, to handbags with convertible strap systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most women purchase multiple handbags having different aesthetics and functional configurations to suit different outfits and/or different occasions or needs. However, purchasing additional handbags results in increased costs. Also, using several different handbags can cause logistical issues based on switching personal items between the handbags. For example, anytime a user wants to use a different handbag for whatever reason, the user needs to spend time transferring personal items from one handbag to another. This can also result in the confusion of having various items in several different handbags.

One attempt to solve some of these problems was to provide a handbag with removable covers, skirts, or the like on the exterior of the handbag. When it is desired to change the exterior aesthetic appearance of the handbag, the cover is simple removed and replaced with a cover having a different aesthetic appearance. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,607,461 and 7,628,187, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference. While these removable covers can change the exterior aesthetic appearance of the handbags, they do not change the style or type of the handbag.

Another attempt to solve some of these problems was to provide a handbag that is expandable to a larger size. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,178,567, 7,909,150 and 8,132,601, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference. While these expandable handbags can increase and decrease the size of the handbag, they do not change the style or type of the handbag.

Yet another attempt to solve some of these problems was to provide a handbag that is convertible between different types or styles of handbags. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,570, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. While these convertible handbags can increase the versatility of the handbag, they are typically time consuming to convert and/or have multiple handles visible in each configuration which can provide a less than ideal appearance.

A further attempt to solve these problems was to provide a handbag that can be carried by a handle or hung on a stroller or the like. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,186,859, 5,702,038, and 8,413,863, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference. While these convertible handbags can increase the versatility of the handbag, they are typically awkward to convert and/or are relatively limited in the quantity of configurations available.

Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for improved handbags convertible between different styles or types of handbags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed are handbags and/or convertible strap systems that overcome at least one deficiency of the prior art handbags described above. Disclosed is a handbag comprising, in combination, a body forming an interior compartment and an access opening at a top of the body for accessing the interior compartment, a first strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a first end of the body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the first strap with a first fastener to form a first loop, a second strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a second end of the body opposite the first end of the body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the second strap with a second fastener to form a second loop, and a handle strap selectively extending between the first loop and second loop. The first fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the first strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of the first strap, The second fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the second strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of the second strap.

Also disclosed is handbag comprising, in combination, a body forming an interior compartment and an access opening at a top of the body for accessing the interior compartment, a first strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a first end of the body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the first strap with a first fastener to form a first loop, a second strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a second end of the body opposite the first end of the body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the second strap with a second fastener to form a second loop. The first fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the first strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of the first strap. The second fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the second strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of the second strap. The first and second straps and the first and second fasteners are configured so that the second end of the first strap is removably securable to the first end of the second strap and the second end of the second strap is removably securable with the first end of the first strap so that the first and second straps form a handle extending between the first and second ends of the body.

Also disclosed is a handbag comprising, in combination, a body forming an interior compartment and an access opening at a top of the body for accessing the interior compartment, and a convertible strap system. The convertible strap system includes a first strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a first end of the body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the first strap with a first fastener to form a first loop, a second strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a second end of the body opposite the first end of the body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the second strap with a second fastener to form a second loop, and a handle strap selectively extending between the first loop and second loop. The first fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the first strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of the first strap. The second fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the second strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of the second strap. The first and second straps and the first and second fasteners are configured so that the second end of the first strap is removably securable to the first end of the second strap and the second end of the second strap is removably securable with the first end of the first strap. The handle strap is an adjustable length between a first length and a second length shorter than the first length. The convertible strap system is selectively convertible between: a first configuration wherein the first and second straps form the first and second loops respectively and the handle strap is adjusted to the first length and is extending between the first loop and second loop; a second configuration wherein the first and second straps form the first and second loops respectively and the handle strap is adjusted to the second length and is extending between the first loop and second loop; a third configuration wherein the first and second straps are secured together so that the first and second straps form a handle extending between the first and second ends of the body and the handle strap is stored; and a fourth configuration wherein the first and second straps form the first and second loops respectively and the handle strap is stored.

From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides a significant advance in the technology and art of handle strap systems for handbags. Particularly significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords for a handle strap system for a handbag that is relatively easy to use, relatively inexpensive to produce and assemble, and provides many useful configurations. Additional features and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will be better understood in view of the detailed description provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and further features of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a handbag with a convertible strap system in a crossbody bag configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the handbag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmented diagrammatic view of looped straps of the convertible strap system of the handbag of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmented diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 3 but showing an alternative embodiment of the looped straps of the convertible strap system.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmented diagrammatic view of an adjustable strap handle of the convertible strap system of the handbag of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a slider of the adjustable strap of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a rectangular ring of the adjustable strap of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the handbag of FIGS. 1 and 2 but with the convertible strap system in a shoulder bag configuration.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the handbag of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the handbag of FIGS. 1 and 2 but with the convertible strap system in a hobo bag configuration.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the handbag of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the handbag of FIGS. 1 and 2 but with the convertible strap system in a handle attachment configuration.

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the handbag of FIG. 12.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the handbags as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions and shapes of the various components will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity or illustration. All references to direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the handbags illustrated in the drawings. In general, up or upward refers to an upward direction within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 and down or downward refers to a downward direction within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology, that many uses and design variations are possible for the improved handbags and convertible strap systems disclosed herein. The following detailed discussion of various alternative embodiments will illustrate the general principles of the invention. Other embodiments suitable for other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a handbag 10 according to the present invention. The illustrated handbag 10 includes a body 12 forming an interior compartment and an access opening 14 at a top 16 of the body 12 for accessing the interior compartment, and a convertible strap system 18. The illustrated convertible strap system 18 includes a first strap 20 of flexible material having a first end 22 fixed to a first end 26 of the body 12 and a second end 24 removably securable to the first end 22 of the first strap 20 with a first fastener 28 to form a first loop 30, a second strap 32 of flexible material having a first end 34 fixed to a second end 38 of the body 12 opposite the first end 26 of the body 12 and a second end 36 removably securable to the first end 34 of the second strap 32 with a second fastener 40 to form a second loop 42, and an adjustable handle strap 44 selectively extendable between the first loop 30 and second loop 42. The illustrated first and second straps 20, 32 and the illustrated first and second fasteners 28, 40 are configured so that the second end 24 of the first strap 20 is also removably securable to the first end 34 of the second strap 32 and the second end 36 of the second strap 34 is also removably securable with the first end 22 of the first strap 20. As discussed in more detail hereinbelow, the illustrated convertible strap system 18 is selectively configurable between a first configuration wherein the handle strap 44 is adjusted to a crossbody length and extends between the loops 30, 42 (best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), a second configuration wherein the handle strap 44 is adjusted to a shoulder length and extends between the loops 30, 42 (best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9), a third configuration wherein the first and second straps 20, 32 are secured together to a form a handle and the handle strap 44 is stored, and a fourth configuration wherein the first and second straps 20, 32 form the loops 30, 42 to be secured to a stroller or the like and the handle strap 44 is stored.

The term “handbag” is used in this specification and the claims to mean a container used for carrying money, small personal items or accessories, or the like (especially by women) including, but not limited to, athletic bags, baguette bags, barrel bags, bowling bags, bucket bags, clutches, crossbody bags, doctor's bags, duffel bags, evening bags, feed bags, handbags, hobo bags, messenger bags, pocketbooks, pouches, purses, saddle bags, satchels, shoulder bags, sling bags, totes, utility bags, weekend bags, and the like.

The illustrated body 12 includes a first or front side 46 and a second or rear side 48 opposite the front side 46 which cooperate to form the opposed front and rear sides of the body 12 and the interior compartment. The illustrated body 12 also includes base or bottom 50 located opposite the top 16 of the body 12 that forms a lower side of the interior compartment. The illustrated interior compartment is closed except for the access opening 14 formed in the top 16 by the body 12 opposite the bottom 18 but other suitable configurations can be utilized. The illustrated access opening 14 is provided with a closure 52 for selectively opening and closing the access opening 14. The illustrated closure is in the form of a zipper bit it is noted that the closure can alternatively be of any other suitable type such as, for example, buckles, buttons, clips, hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro), hooks, magnets, straps, ties, turn locks, zippers, and the like. The interior compartment 20 is sized in any desired manner for storing personal items. It should be appreciated that the body 12 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated front side 46 of the body 12 is provided with a pair of side-by-side exterior pockets 54, 56. The illustrated first exterior pocket 54 is sized and configured to receive the handles trap 44 therein for storage of the handle strap 44 when the handle strap 44 is not being utilized as described in more detail hereinbelow. It is noted that the illustrated exterior pockets 54, 56 can be eliminated, have a different size or shape, or be located at a different location on the body 12 and/or a different quantity can be utilized if desired. The illustrated first exterior pocket 54 is provided with a releasable fastener or closure 58 in the form of a zipper but any other suitable closure can alternatively be utilized such as, for example, buckles, buttons, clips, elastic bands, flaps, hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro), hooks, magnets, snaps, straps, ties, turn locks, and the like. The illustrated second exterior pocket 56 is provided with a releasable fastener or closure 60 in the form of a flap but any other suitable closure can alternatively be utilized such as, for example, buckles, buttons, clips, elastic bands, hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro), hooks, magnets, snaps, straps, ties, turn locks, zippers, and the like.

The illustrated first and second ends 26, 38 of the body 12 are each provided with a an exterior pocket 62. It is noted that the illustrated exterior pockets 60 can be eliminated, have a different size or shape, or be located at a different location on the body 12 and/or a different quantity can be utilized if desired. The illustrated exterior pockets 60 are provided with a releasable fastener or closure 64 in the form of an elastic band but any other suitable closure can alternatively be utilized such as, for example, buckles, buttons, clips, flaps, hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro), hooks, magnets, snaps, straps, ties, turn locks, zippers, and the like.

The illustrated body 12 is constructed of drapy polyester fabric but the body 12 can alternatively be formed by any other suitable fabric, natural or synthetic leather, or nonwoven material. The various panels of the illustrated body 12 are secured together with stitched thread but any other suitable form of attachment can alternatively be utilized.

The illustrated first strap 20 is formed of a flexible material such as a nylon web but any other suitable material can alternatively be utilized. The first end 22 of the first strap is fixed to the top of the first end 26 of the body 12 and the second end 24 of the first strap 20 is free of securement to the body 12. The illustrated first strap 20 is fixed to the body 12 with stitched thread but can alternatively be fixed to the body 12 in any other suitable manner. However, the second end 24 of the first strap 20 is removably securable to the first end 22 of the first strap 20 with the first fastener 28 to form the first loop 30. The first loop 30 is sized and configured to selectively receive an end of the handle strap 44 and/or a handle or frame of a stroller, walker, wheelchair or the like as described in more detail herein below. The first fastener 28 has first and second cooperating fastener portions 28A, 28B. The illustrated first fastener portion 28A is fixed to the first end 22 of the first strap 20 and the second fastener portion 28B is fixed to the second end 24 of the first strap 20 so that the first loop 30 is formed when connected and the first loop 30 is removed when unconnected. The illustrated first fastener 28 is a snap with the first fastener portion 28A being a female snap portion and the second snap portion 28B being a male snap portion but it is noted that the female and male snap portions can alternatively be reversed. It is noted that the first fastener 28 can alternatively be any other suitable type of fastener such as, for example, buckles, buttons, clips, hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro), hooks, magnets, straps, ties, turn locks, and the like. It is noted that the first strap 20 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated second strap 32 is formed of a flexible material such as a nylon but any other suitable material can alternatively be utilized. The first end 34 of the second strap 32 is fixed to the top of the second end 38 of the body 12 opposite the first strap 18 and the second end 36 of the second strap 32 is free of securement to the body 12. The illustrated second strap 32 is fixed to the body 12 with stitched thread but can alternatively be fixed to the body 12 in any other suitable manner. However, the second end 36 of the second strap 32 is removably securable to the first end 34 of the second strap 32 with the second fastener 40 to form the second loop 42. The second loop 42 is sized and configured to selectively receive an end of the handle strap 44 and/or a handle or frame of a stroller, walker, wheelchair or the like as described in more detail herein below. The second fastener 40 has first and second cooperating fastener portions 40A, 40B. The illustrated first fastener portion 40A is fixed to the first end 34 of the second strap 32 and the second fastener portion 40B is fixed to the second end 36 of the second strap 32 so that the second loop 42 is formed when connected and the second loop 42 is removed when unconnected. The illustrated second fastener 40 is a snap with the first fastener portion 40A being a female snap portion and the second snap portion 40B being a male snap portion but it is noted that the female and male snap portions can alternatively be reversed. It is noted that the second fastener 40 can alternatively be any other suitable type of fastener such as, for example, buckles, buttons, clips, hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro), hooks, magnets, straps, ties, turn locks, and the like. It is noted that the second strap 32 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.

The illustrated first and second straps 20, 32 and the illustrated first and second fasteners 28, 40 are configured so that the second end 24 of the first strap 20 is removably securable to the first end 34 of the second strap 32 and the second end 36 of the second strap 32 is removably securable with the first end 22 of the first strap 20 so that the first and second straps 20, 32 form a handle 66 extending between the first and second ends 26, 38 of the body 12 (as best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11). The illustrated portions 20A, 20B of the first fastener 20 can cooperate with the respective cooperating portions 40A, 40B of the second fastener 40.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the first and second straps 20, 32 are configured to be looped in opposite directions. That is, the free second ends 24, 36 are looped outwardly in opposite directions when they are to be removably secured to the respective fixed first ends 22, 24. Configured in this manner, the first and second straps 20, 32 can be easily secured to form the loops 30, 42 and easily unsecured to remove the loops 30, 42. However, it is noted that the first and second straps 20, 32 must be twisted to be secured together to form the handle 66 (best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11).

As best shown in FIG. 4, the first and second straps 20, 32 can alternatively be configured to be looped in the same directions. That is, one of the free second ends 24, 36 is looped outwardly when it is to be removably secured to the respective fixed first end 22, 24 and the other one of the free second ends 24, 36 is looped inwardly when it is to be removably secured to the respective fixed first end 22, 24. Configured in this manner, the inwardly looped one of the first and second straps 20, 32 is not as easily secured to form the loops 30, 42 and unsecured to remove the loops 30, 42. However, it is noted that the first and second straps 20, 32 are not required to be twisted to be secured together to form the handle 66.

As best shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the illustrated adjustable handle strap 44 includes a web 68 of flexible material, a pair of rings 70, 72, and a slide buckle or loop slider 74. The first ring is secured to the first end of the web 68. The illustrated rings 70, 72 are rectangular shaped but any other suitable shape can alternatively be utilized. The illustrated rings 70, 72 are also metal but any other suitable material can alternatively be utilized. The illustrated web is nylon web but any other suitable flexible material can alternatively be utilized. The first ring 70 is secured to a first end of the web the web 68 by extending the web 68 through a central opening 76 of the ring 70 and looping it around and securing it to the web 68 by stitched threads or any other suitable attachment method. The openings of the rings are sized to receive the web 68 as well as the first and second straps 20, 32 therethrough. The illustrated loop slider 74 has an outer ring portion 78 and a leg portion 80 dividing the ring portion into two openings 82, 84. The illustrated web 68 extends from the first ring 70 to the ring slider 74 where it extends through the first opening 82, around the leg portion 80, and back through the second opening 84. The illustrated web 68 extends from the ring slider 74 by looping back with a second end of the web 68 secured to the leg portion 80. The second end of the web 68 is secured to leg portion 80 by extending the web 68 looping the end of the web around the leg portion 80 and securing to the web 68 by stitched threads or any other suitable attachment method. The second ring 72 is positioned along a loop 86 formed by the web 68 with the web 68 extending through the opening 76 of the ring 72. Configured in this manner, the handle strap 44 has an adjustable length with the rings 70, 72 forming ends of the adjustable handle strap 44. The illustrated adjustable handle strap 44 is designed to be adjusted between a first or crossbody length and a second or over shoulder length that is shorter than the first or crossbody length, or any length therebetween. it is noted however, that the adjustable handle strap 44 can alternatively be configured to be adjusted between any other suitable lengths and/or quantity of lengths. It is noted that the adjustable handle strap can alternatively have any other suitable configuration and/or could alternatively have a non-adjustable length.

The illustrated convertible strap system 18 is selectively convertible between five configurations. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a first configuration, the first and second straps 20, 32 form the first and second loops 30, 42 respectively and the adjustable handle strap 44 is adjusted to the first or crossbody length and is extending between the first and second loops 20, 32 with the straps 20, 32, extending through the rings 70, 72. In this first configuration, the handbag 12 is in the configuration of a crossbody bag. As best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in a second configuration, the first and second straps 20, 32 form the first and second loops 30, 42 respectively and the adjustable handle strap 44 is adjusted to the second or over shoulder length and is extending between the first and second loops 30, 42 with the straps 20, 32, extending through the rings 70, 72. In this second configuration, the handbag 12 is in the configuration of an over the shoulder bag. As best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in a third configuration, the first and second straps 30, 42 are secured together so that the first and second straps 30, 42 form the handle 66 extending between the first and second ends 26, 38 of the body 12 and the adjustable handle strap 44 is stored in the external pocket 54 or some other suitable location. In this third configuration, the handbag 12 is in the configuration of hobo bag. As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in a fourth configuration, the first and second straps 20, 32 form the first and second loops 30, 42 respectively and the adjustable handle strap 44 is stored in the external pocket 54 or some other suitable location. In this fourth configuration, the loops 30, 42 can be secured around a structure 88 such as a stroller, walker, wheelchair, or the like.

Any of the features or attributes of the above described embodiments and variations can be used in combination with any of the other features and attributes of the above described embodiments and variations as desired.

From the foregoing disclosure it will be apparent that the present invention provides an improved strap systems which enables a single handbag to be easily converted between to different styles or types.

From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications, additions and other alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the present invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the benefit to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A handbag comprising, in combination: a body forming an interior compartment and an access opening at a top of the body for accessing the interior compartment; a first strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a first end of the body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the first strap with a first fastener to form a first loop; wherein the first fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the first strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of the first strap; a second strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a second end of the body opposite the first end of the body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the second strap with a second fastener to form a second loop; wherein the second fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the second strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of the second strap; and a handle strap selectively extending between the first loop and second loop.
 2. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein the handle strap has an adjustable length.
 3. The handbag according to claim 2, wherein the handle strap is adjustable between a cross body length and an over shoulder length.
 4. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein the first and second straps are secured by the first and second fasteners respectively in opposite directions.
 5. The handbag according to claim 4, wherein the first end of the first strap is inward of the second end of the first strap when the first loop is formed and the first end of the second strap is inward of the second end of the second strap when the second loop is formed
 6. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein the first pair of openings in the first side and the first pair of openings in the second side are each provided with a reinforcement patch.
 7. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein the first and second straps are secured by the first and second fasteners respectively in the same direction.
 8. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein the first and second fasteners are each snaps, one of the first and second fastener portions of the first fastener is a male snap portion and the other of the first and second fastener portions of the first fastener is a female snap portion, and one of the first and second fastener portions of the second fastener is a male snap portion and the other of the first and second fastener portions of the second fastener is a female snap portion.
 9. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein the first and second straps and the first and second fasteners are configured so that the second end of the first strap is removably securable to the first end of the second strap and the second end of the second strap is removably securable with the first end of the first strap so that the first and second straps form a handle extending between the first and second ends of the body.
 10. A handbag comprising, in combination: a body forming an interior compartment and an access opening at a top of the body for accessing the interior compartment; a first strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a first end of the body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the first strap with a first fastener to form a first loop; wherein the first fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the first strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of the first strap; a second strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a second end of the body opposite the first end of the body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the second strap with a second fastener to form a second loop; wherein the second fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the second strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of the second strap; and wherein the first and second straps and the first and second fasteners are configured so that the second end of the first strap is removably securable to the first end of the second strap and the second end of the second strap is removably securable with the first end of the first strap so that the first and second straps form a handle extending between the first and second ends of the body.
 11. The handbag according to claim 10, further comprising a handle strap selectively extending between the first loop and second loop and wherein the handle strap has an adjustable length.
 12. The handbag according to claim 11, wherein the handle strap is adjustable between a cross body length and an over shoulder length.
 13. The handbag according to claim 10, wherein the first and second straps are secured by the first and second fasteners respectively in opposite directions.
 14. The handbag according to claim 13, wherein the first end of the first strap is inward of the second end of the first strap when the first loop is formed and the first end of the second strap is inward of the second end of the second strap when the second loop is formed
 15. The handbag according to claim 10, wherein the first pair of openings in the first side and the first pair of openings in the second side are each provided with a reinforcement patch.
 16. The handbag according to claim 10, wherein the first and second straps are secured by the first and second fasteners respectively in the same direction.
 17. The handbag according to claim 10, wherein the first and second fasteners are each snaps, one of the first and second fastener portions of the first fastener is a male snap portion and the other of the first and second fastener portions of the first fastener is a female snap portion, and one of the first and second fastener portions of the second fastener is a male snap portion and the other of the first and second fastener portions of the second fastener is a female snap portion.
 18. A handbag comprising, in combination: a body forming an interior compartment and an access opening at a top of the body for accessing the interior compartment; a convertible strap system including: a first strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a first end of the body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the first strap with a first fastener to form a first loop; wherein the first fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the first strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of the first strap; a second strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a second end of the body opposite the first end of the body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the second strap with a second fastener to form a second loop; wherein the second fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the second strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of the second strap; wherein the first and second straps and the first and second fasteners are configured so that the second end of the first strap is removably securable to the first end of the second strap and the second end of the second strap is removably securable with the first end of the first strap; a handle strap selectively extending between the first loop and second loop; and wherein the handle strap is an adjustable length between a first length and a second length shorter than the first length; wherein in a first configuration of the convertible strap system, the first and second straps form the first and second loops respectively and the handle strap is adjusted to the first length and is extending between the first loop and second loop; wherein in a second configuration of the convertible strap system, the first and second straps form the first and second loops respectively and the handle strap is adjusted to the second length and is extending between the first loop and second loop; wherein in a third configuration of the convertible strap system, the first and second straps are secured together so that the first and second straps form a handle extending between the first and second ends of the body and the handle strap is stored; and wherein in a fourth configuration of the convertible strap system, the first and second straps form the first and second loops respectively and the handle strap is stored.
 19. The handbag according to claim 18, wherein the first length of the handle strap is a cross body length and the second length of the handle strap is an over shoulder length.
 20. The handbag according to claim 18, wherein the first and second fasteners are each snaps, one of the first and second fastener portions of the first fastener is a male snap portion and the other of the first and second fastener portions of the first fastener is a female snap portion, and one of the first and second fastener portions of the second fastener is a male snap portion and the other of the first and second fastener portions of the second fastener is a female snap portion. 